"When I first started running, I was so embarrassed, I'd walk when cars passed me. I'd pretend I was looking at the flowers."

Joan Benoit Samuelson ~ Olympic Marathon Winner

How long is a 5K? 10K? Half-Marathon?

5 kilometers = 3.1 miles

10 kilometers = 6.2 miles

Half Marathon = 13.1 miles (21.1 kilometers)

Note that for trail races, due to an inability to lengthen and shorten trails, what can be called a 5K, 10K, or half marathon, can sometimes be a little bit more or (once in a rare while) a little bit less in distance.

Can I wear headphones?

Yes, but we ask that you keep the volume down at a safe level so that you can hear other runners or instructions from event personnel. We also ask that you remove them, or, at the very least, remove one ear bud when you are coming to aid stations, in a large crowd or on more technical or difficult sections of the course. The important thing is paying attention to everyone's safety and maintaining basic race etiquette with other runners.

Are there bathrooms on the course?

There are bathrooms near the start/finish area and on the course (mileage locations included in pre-race instructions).

Can I register on the day of the race?

If the race has not sold out, we will have race day registration. If the races are sold out, the race website will be updated on the home page and the registration page (as well as on the active.com page). Note: We will have many extra shirts at the race, but because we have to print our shirts well ahead of race day, we can only 100% positively guarantee requested shirt sizes to those who sign up by 2/7.

Do you offer a group discount? Frequent runner discount? Family discount? Coupon? Special break for running more than one race?

We do not.

There are many different ways that other race organizations price their race entries, but it has always been our policy that we would never promote an even slightly bloated price, then offer "discounts" that would end up being used by only some of our runners. We believe that such a policy unfairly penalizes those who (for whatever reason) do not find out about and utilize the "special" coupon or discount.

Every runner who signs up for our races is "special" and gets the "group discount" from the start, because they are part of the large group running that race. Almost all of our races are composed of several hundred runners (sometimes well over a thousand) and it is because of these numbers that we can offer a very high level of quality in every aspect of the race while still charging an entry fee well below what you might expect or find at comparable events elsewhere.

We do offer a discount to those who sign up early, since early sign-ups allow us to plan better and lower the overall costs of the race. Similarly, we include an additional charge for those who sign up late, since the accomodation of race entries in the last two weeks before a race increases the per-runner cost.

The other exception for discounts is for those who volunteer at one race and then partipate at a later one. Those volunteers receive a disounted (and sometimes free) race entry.

Will there be age group awards?

Yes, we will have results and awards for age group finishers in five-year divisions. Those not receiving their age group medals on race day can still get their medal by mailing in a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Details will be included with the pre-race and post-race e-mails.

When/where do I pick up my bib/race packet?

Bibs can be picked up at the race start on race day. We will also have pre-race bib pick-up at Sports Basement of Sunnyvale on Thursday, the 26thand Friday, the 27th. Times to be announced.

Will there be somewhere to leave my warm-up clothes?

Yes, there will be a sweat-check area and these will be checked in and watched over by a volunteer. Bags for storing your sweats will be available if you do not bring your own. Please do not leave valuables in your sweat bags -- we cannot be responsible for these items.

I am a very slow runner. Am I going to be out of place?

You won't be out of place at all. Our races are planned for participants of all abilities -- including walkers/hikers. Also see next question regarding the early start for hikers.

Is there a time limit?

The half marathon has a 4 hour time limit. Half runners must reach the 4th aid Station (mile 7.8) by 10:50am and the 5th aid Station (mile 10.35) by 11:40am.

For half marathon participants who wish to hike the course and take more than 3.5-4 hours, we will offer a "Hiker Start" at 8:00 am. Those starting at 7:30 should carry water as the first and second aid stations might not be 100% up and running, depending on the hikers speed. Hiker starts will not be eligible to win the race or for age group awards, but will be listed as official finishers in the Hikers Division and will still receive finisher medals.

Can my dog run with me during the race?

Unfortunately no. As much as we love dogs and running with our own, not everyone is comfortable being around dogs (even if leashed) and for reasons of safety (for those with two legs and four) we ask runners not to bring their dogs along for the race.

Will the race be cancelled if it rains?

No. The race will be held, rain or shine. Courses may be modified to account for weather conditions.

Do you issue refunds or deferrals?

No. Putting on a race can be a very expensive (and financially risky) endeavor. To a small extent, that risk gets shared by all who enter since injuries, emergencies and plain old "life happening" can potentially ruin plans for participation.

Because the majority of the funds collected have been spent long before the race occurs, we do not issue cash refunds. We will, however, credit you with 50% or 75% of your entry toward a future race if you let us know in advance (at least 2 weeks for 75% credit, at least 72 hours for 50%).